This Week in Foodservice

Jerry Stiegler

This Week in Foodservice provides a high-level summary of the economic data, financial news, menu updates and numerous other statistical packages and developments that impact foodservice operators, consultants, dealers, manufacturers, reps and service agents. In his weekly blog, Jerry Stiegler aggregates key industry data through his infamous Green Sheet and provides some brief analysis that will help foodservice professionals navigate the sea of information. Jerry is a long-time member of the foodservice industry, whose experience includes working for Restaurants & Institutions magazine and FE&S.

Knapp-Track reports weak sales in March for casual restaurant chains. First time jobless claims hit a 40-year low. Global foodservice sales rose in 2015. The Wawa c-store chain is staffing up with foodservice managers. Shake Shack needs to improve their site selection process for new restaurants. These stories and a whole lot more This Week In Foodservice.

March retail sales were disappointing. One restaurant executive says a $15 an hour minimum wage would be “catastrophic.” Foodservice is the 500 pound gorilla in c-stores. Menu prices continue to climb. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

Economists predict more of the same ahead. Fast-casual growth continues to outpace the foodservice industry. A Domino’s franchisee in Australia has ambitious expansion plans. KFC “re-colonelizes.” These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

The National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index bounced up in February. Foodservice operators continued to build up their staffs in March. California’s move to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour got a chilly reception from foodservice management. Chipotle appears to be getting ready to introduce a burger concept. Arby’s saves millions by reducing energy usage. These stories and a whole lot more in This Week in Foodservice.

Here are some takeaways for restaurants from the Consumer & Technology Conference. The latest estimate for 4th Quarter Gross Domestic Product improves but is still not encouraging. Technomic’s top 500 chains shows continued growth. CKE’s CEO says foodservice will continue to develop technology at the expense of entry-level workers. Retailers are increasing their penetration into the foodservice market. These stories and a whole lot more This Week In Foodservice.

Government research shows restaurant sales increased in February. Quick-serve restaurant traffic was up in most countries in the fourth quarter. Prices for food away from home continued to rise in February. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

Casual dining chains were flat in February. The National Restaurant Association shows restaurants are a source of good jobs. More restaurants are owned by women. What can Chipotle learn from the Jack in the Box food poisoning in the 1990s? These stories and a whole lot more This Week In Foodservice.

How are the major foodservice suppliers doing? Operator’s hiring roared ahead in February. Bloomin’ Brands say they are committed to Bonefish Grill. Thornton’s C-stores make a commitment to foodservice in the Chicago market. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

A Smashburger executive compares fast casual and fast-food operators. U.S. restaurant count declined last year. A dozen chains reveal expansion plans. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

Forecasts predict moderate restaurant industry sales increases for 2016. Jack in the Box says competitive activity hurt its financial results. Sysco makes a major acquisition overseas. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

Restaurant sales soften in January. What restaurant chain gained the most as a result of Chipotle’s troubles? Prepared food delivery business shows impressive growth. The National Restaurant Association says the industry will hire 300,000 more employees this year. Starbucks introduces a new upscale version. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.